Massage Envy Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

Then dont lower your prices, and dont' complaing when we do go and support someone who does. If you are that unhappy with what is happening to your profession field, then change your profession.

And please READ MY LIPS: I am saying to those of you who keep complaining here about getting $15 out of the $40 I pay ME, that I am willing to give you all the $40. You dont' want it, too bad, I'll give it to ME, and you get what you get!

The one thing I learned out of this whole forum: THE LMT in this forum seem to have a lot of problems with who they are and what they offer!

Wake up, smell the coffee, the world changed, you need to change with it. There used to be a time when massages were luxuries only a certain group of people could afford, but now, we are at the time that everyone, from the teacher who deals with 26 teenager, to the nurse who runs on her foot 10 hours a day, to the engineer who designs the very same computer you are using to get on this forum can use a little massage to just be able to get back to the work for which each and every one of us is getting paid less and less every day, where all our jobs are getting outsources or replaced one way or the other, whether it is by the online classes where no teacher is needed, to the hospitals when the patient is sent home to cost the cost of paying nurses,to the computer designs that are being sent to india. It is a different world, and like it or not, you the beloved massage therapist are part of it. Accept it, move on, and adapat to the change. Or it you decide not to, at least stop complaining when someone gives you an idea.

There is a book called "who moved my cheese" that I recommet you read, and then decide how to deal with the change.

As for me, as long as I have the choice between not getting massage, or getting one for $40, the choice is clear. The decision is yours: do you want my $40, or do you want the $15? There ME, Just Massage, and many other companies that offer massages....

hello everyone :o)

one way communication can be a bit rough around the edges along with passion thrown into it. :o)
i'm sure everyone would be gentle if speaking face to face. :o)

LMP is as diversified as the style practiced, the intent of their focus and their gifted application. a personal service that is given with nurturing and a genuine intent to see the person receiving walking away in a better place than arrived. being an LMP is the most amazing practice to an ancient art, and personally having found myself into this career is to be blessed at having so much hands on in assisting other people into healthier lives, and greater health benefits.

not all states are in the same economic standards and therefore prices are based comparably.

if LMPs choose to work for ME, then again, these are choices they will have to live with for the time they choose to. the facts are there.

not all LMPs are the same and just because one has a license doesn't make them a good LMP, as in any occupation.

sure, people can get into the comparables and bash the LMP and their earnings. ok, so now we know how you feel. great. :o)

this forum was and is still just a place to let other LMP <recently graduated> get an idea whats what, the choice is still theirs and knowing the facts they hopefully can make a better decision.

get more massage and you will have less stress and feel happier!

Peace and Grace be upon you,
krista

Tina G in Atlanta, Georgia said: I was offered a subcontract position at a new day spa at $24.00/hr. The spa provides all supplies. Is this a good rate? I was expecting more but I am fresh out of school. I will also get to learn some spa techniques that weren't taught at my school. Any thoughts?

This is a ery good deal. As u said u will pick up more skills to carry alone with u. Remember, it is better to have that hand's on experience when u start your own business. $24 an hour is more than most people who have been working for 10-15 years. I say go for it. What do u have to loose.

Connie in Indianapolis, Indiana said: This is a ery good deal. As u said u will pick up more skills to carry alone with u. Remember, it is better to have that hand's on experience when u start your own business. $24 an hour is more than most people who have been working for 10-15 years. I say go for it. What do u have to loose.

You are asking me to charge what you want to pay?? I wish I could. If I could do it for free, that would be great too, but I have bills like everyone else. Like I said before, I would expect the consumer loves paying the $39. In most cases that will always be the case. Masssage Envy is just one company that charges that. I will not adjust my prices to make consumers that go there happy. I have had plenty of Envy clients come to me and pay extra because they get alot more. Cheap isnt always better, and I won't cheapen my service to make it cheap, and from what I see, my clients dont want that either. im not complaining about the money I make, but that has nothing to do with calling out a company that is hurting the profession. Again, just because outsourcing and pay cuts happen everywhere else, does not mean we should just give in and forget about it. If you love your $39 massage, then get it. I dont have a problem with that. I will not be preasured into paying what you want to pay. If a client comes to me and really needs massage for a medical condition and I know they really cant afford it, I lower my price, sometimes do it for free. I do what I can. But there are alot more people out there that just want cheap, theres nothing wrong with that, but we cant always cater to that. Yes, the world has changed, but sometimes you have to fight a little and get a little more inventive. To those just graduated looking for experience, Massage Envy may be a good place to start, just dont let it fool you into thinking thats all you will ever be worth. Get the experience and move on like others working for them.

I liked the comment "Supercuts". Meaning you go to supercuts for a basic cheap haircut. You don't expect high quality...sometimes you may get it but its not expected. For some people a spa massage is all they have ever experienced so they don't know what they are missing in a therapeutic massage delivered by someone who really knows the muscles they are manipulating. Those clients are happy with a spa enviroment.Anyway, my point is if you feel that your massage is worth 70 or 80 dollars an hour by all means charge that. A lot of therapists work for someone else while they save money to open their own practice. Being self-employed is much more complicated than showing up for a 5 hour shift at a spa. It really boils down to what you are comfortable with and if you can sustain yourself during the thin times as a self employed practitioner. I would like to see more great therapists open practices together, or more wellness centers that offer massage as part of a whole wellness package...nutrition,fitness and massage open their doors.

You dont get it, its not about your $40. I dont need your money. I do very well with my own practice. This was never about money. Its about what it does to the profession. Thats what it always has been. You are a consumer, of course you want more for less. Talk to a therapist and you will hear a different story. I know the world has changed, I dontr need to read about it. Im too busy being industrious trying to fight for what I beleive. I think if more of us did that instead of just lying down and saying, oh well, thas all I can do I guess, we may be more sucessful in life. Its great to get experience out of school. you do what you can. I just dont want thiose students who studied hard and spent alot of money to look at things the way you do, and just resign themselves to the fact that they wont be sucessfull and concentrate more on pricing than they do on healing. Im sorry you feel the way you do, but I understand. I would like a Mustang for $5,000 also, but unfortunately it just doesnt work that way. Good luck to you.

I'm an LMT and have been for 7 years. I know I am GREAT at what I do. I work for Massage Envy b/c I like the structure of working in a pleasant and professional atmosphere. If you really break down doing House calls at $60 an hour you have to figure it is really a 2 to 2.5 hour time block. so now you are down to $30 bucks an hour. Now factor in your supplies it cost you about 7 dollars to perform a massage including cream, oil, linens and anything else you might use. Now factor in the price of Gas which is up to $3 a gallon and no one does massages around the corner so think that you are at least spending $10 on gas. So now for your 2 hours of work you have made $43 that's $21 an hour now you must factor in the cost of paying both sides of your taxes which is almost 13% of what you make.
Now the lowest paid therapist at Massage Envy makes $15 a massage plus at least an average of $11 in tips (which is the average in my clinic) so now the therapist is making $26 an hour plus there are bonuses. My mini med. plan is paid by the owner b/c I work more then 20 hours a week. I do as many or as little massages as I want very flexible schedule.

SO for me as a therapist it is more cost effective to work an 8 hour shift at massage envy making at Least $26 an hour then it is to cram 2 or 3 house calls into a day. Not only that I am never afraid to answer my cell phone b/c my clients have no way of reaching me. Yes, I run into them every now and then at publix or the gas station but that is the only contact out side of work have with them.

I pride my work and my professional I don't believe Massage Envy is extorting me in anyway. They keep me busy with steady clients and I make a decent living. I work with Great people and work on some of the most amazing clients. I see a lot of pro football players, moms and dads, teachers, mayors, police officers, firemen, normal every day people that makes the world go around. I love working at Massage Envy!

only onwe question: where are you???? I want an appointment with you at ME!

Kidding, but it sure feels good to know that at least some of the people who are giving me my massages are happy with what they do.

Wish you the best of luck

Im glad you like working for them. It seems to fit what you want. A little advice though, Im not sure where you live, so Im not sure what price massage is going for there, but if you are doing an outcall massage for $60, thats the first mistake. You should be charging enough to cover those expenses. I know the average is around $90 and again, tht depends on distance. If you are using $10 in gas for each trip, you have to be going pretty far. So far as oils and supplies, again, you arent usaing a gallon everytime you go on a call, so break down how much your using per person, maybe $1-$2? Ive worked for massge envy, and now have my own practice. I can tell you, I make alot more working for myself. I also love to hear from clients, them being able to get a hold of you when they need you is one of the keys to success, youn just have to have business hours for them to call. I fyour looking to do your 4-5 massages, go home and not be bothered, your plan works, it depends on your goals, good luck!

People need to realize that ME does not offer massages that cheaply. I work at one and do stay pretty busy. The massagea is not one full hour but rather 50 minutes. The monthly dues are $49- which equates to still about $1/ per min (close enough to the going rate of $60-65/hr. AFter the first massage, then the $39 kicks in for every additional one that month). Personally I offer special rates to frequent customers too.
If you only get one massage per month the only time you'll get The $39 is the very first one as the intro price .

Host said: What are the average starting salaries, bonuses, benefits and travel requirements like at Massage Envy?

What do you like best about working at Massage Envy? Are there any great perks or special treats for employees?

C.R. in Pflugerville, Texas said: I currently work at a massage envy in tx. I do understand what most of you are saying but i do have some words against that. For someone just coming out of school and no experience it is a good place to start. Yes $15/hr is not good but I only work 4 days a week and only do at most 5 hr of massage each day. I work less this way, say if i was to work another job i would have to work more hours.
At the place I'm at they work with you. I told them I only want 3 in a row and 5 a day and that is what I am set up for. They only work you as much as you want. As far as the tips well in the area I'm in they are great earning avg. $15 tip/hr.
I do work for some nice people. So I guess it's the luck of the draw. I have learn a lot here and can take this knowledge to the next better paying job.

I wanted to ask you if you work at the Massage Envy in Round Rock at Louis Henna & I35? I just finished my Internship and talked to Paul just today at the clinic about possibly working there after I get my license this summer. I wanted to do research from a therapist point-of-view and see if it will be a good place to work. All of the other reviews don't sound so good, but I do not think those problems exist at this location. Can you give me a Massage Therapist review of this location? Do you think it is a good and fair place to work as a therapist? I would appreciate any information.
Thanks,
Angie
angieebishop@yahoo.com

Hello all. I own a salon in Reno, NV that operates similar to a Massage Envy (but a little better pay). ME is opening a new location here very soon. I feel sorry for the franchise owners who bought into the location in Reno...but not for the reasons you may think. More on that in a minute.

After reading a couple dozen posts it seems the concensus is that ME is an evil empire and a terrible place to work. The fact is that the industry is moving rapidly in the direction of the ME business model, like it or not. Trying to fight it is like trying to fight Walmart. Consumers love it for obvious reasons. LMTs work at my shop for several reasons, but one of the main reasons is that they get to fill in the gaps in their work week that are not covered by another job. Most LMTs work in more than one place, usually another salon that pays more, i.e. charges more to customers. But the fact is that those higher priced places have sporadiac business at best (except for casinos). My place (and MEs for that matter) provide consistency and stability for the LMTs. And most regular customers become aware of the fact that their favorite LMT at the pricey place also works at my place, hence the more sporadic the business becomes at the foo foo day spa, and the more consistently busy my place becomes.

Even with all these market forces moving in the direction of the ME business model, LMTs are still quite resistant to the lower pay, which brings me back to my original statement about feeling sorry for the new ME owners. Never mind trying to bring in a steady stream of clients...it's very difficult finding enough therapists to fill all the shifts. I turn away a couple dozen treatments a week from lack of LMTs. My understanding is that ME franchise owners have to build a 12 bed facility and advertise $5000 per month. With rent and other expenses, I'll give the owners 9 months before they declare bankruptcy.

I had also considered opening a franchise here in Nashville, TN. The opportunity sounded fantastic - until I interviewed therapists in several states (unbeknownst to ME). ALL felt underpaid, overworked, and in danger of injuring themselves due to lots of massages a day with little time between. Many were just out of school and not seasoned enough to know their physical and mental limits. A massage therapist (self included) will not work in such conditions long, so there will be a lot of turnover. I pay my therapists a minimum of $40/hour + great tips and have their loyalty. We also do benefit events as well - we realize it's important to give back to the community that supports us. ME is providing a great service - many will try massage for the first time due to the great price. They will get great service and a nice massage. I just fear the career life-span of ME's therapists will be short due to burnout or injury.

jeff - Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida said: I've been going to M.E for 3 months now. My wife and I both. We've had nothing but a wonderful experince. They must be producing some great students in our area schools. We look forward to our visits. I'm really glad most of you aren't from the Jacksonville area. My wife and I wish you all the best. Just try running your own massage business and try to make a honest living and hire help and pay the rent and the electic. I've been in business for 20 years, and I'm glad my employees don't bash my company like you have.Sure glad I'm a customer not an employee.

I'm in the jacksonville are and have been told not only by my school but other therapists not to go there for a job. Regardless of the employers expenses they chose to do that, as I have chosen my line of work. As for your employers Jeff they probably do bash your company. It's a natural cycle. Get used to it it's life.

I have been and will be a twice a week customer of ME. Here is what I have found:
1. The Therapists are happy, and very concerned about my welfare. 2. I would not be able to go as often as I do if the price was in the higher range.3. The clinics are clean and well run 4. The people who have the best attitude and do no bashing of the company are the ones that have full schedule's and make good money in tips. 4. No owner from ME is holding a therapist there against their will 5. It is no secret what your income is going to be when you hire on. 6. Those of you with negative attitudes stand out like a piece of coal on a bar of soap. Can't imagine you getting a second chance with me. 7. No, I tip 25%.. to those therepists that give me a Positive Experience. 8. All but one of the therapists have been there for 6 omths or more
This is kinda like real life. If you don't want to work for the salary you agreed to, then don't take the job. If the tips are low, look to yourself. This country is built on people taking risk and opening business's The clinic owners deserve profit, they are taking the risk. Just think of how many therpists have now found a place to work, dictating their hours, with no financial investment.

16 $ an hour is an awsome salary if you work 40 hours a week. With massage therapy that is suicide! i avrage about 25 massages a week and since it's almost all deep tissue i cant do more without suffering. So with 16 $ an hour that would equal to an 8-9 $ salary. I could get that anywhere else. No need to spend 11000 for massage school. and that is what most clients dont understand. Yes i want to help your pain and be affordable but if i sell myself cheap i'll be sitting home iceing my hands every day.

QUOTE who="feeling good-az in Scottsdale, Arizona"]I have been and will be a twice a week customer of ME. Here is what I have found:
1. The Therapists are happy, and very concerned about my welfare. 2. I would not be able to go as often as I do if the price was in the higher range.3. The clinics are clean and well run 4. The people who have the best attitude and do no bashing of the company are the ones that have full schedule's and make good money in tips. 4. No owner from ME is holding a therapist there against their will 5. It is no secret what your income is going to be when you hire on. 6. Those of you with negative attitudes stand out like a piece of coal on a bar of soap. Can't imagine you getting a second chance with me. 7. No, I tip 25%.. to those therepists that give me a Positive Experience. 8. All but one of the therapists have been there for 6 omths or more
This is kinda like real life. If you don't want to work for the salary you agreed to, then don't take the job. If the tips are low, look to yourself. This country is built on people taking risk and opening business's The clinic owners deserve profit, they are taking the risk. Just think of how many therpists have now found a place to work, dictating their hours, with no financial investment.

"TO FEELING GOOD IN AZ"> Again, no one said that Massage Envy isnt great for the consumer. Sometimes the tips are not so great and it has more to do with the type of clientel you get and not always with the therapists ability. Some have good experiences, some bad. So far as all of the therapists being happy and helpful, again, they are hoping for the tip. If you talk to them and are not a client, you may find a different opinion. I happen to know several people working in Scottsdale at Envy, maybe at your location! Again, the consumer does not care so much about what therapists are paid as long as it doesnt mean a higher price for the service. If Envy pays more, then it will charge more. The bottom line is that there are alot of spas out there charging more, and they are not bankrupt, so its not a black and white situation. I love to hear everyones opinions, but I dont think we will ever get any understanding from Envy followers, and that is proof of direction this industry is heading. Its a shame.

Please stop sending these alerts. Thank you.

I average 35 to 40 appointments a week. I have a great positive attitude with Massage Envy. I was actually given a trip to AZ to attend their annual franchisee conference. I have worked in spa's and with private clients but this is the first time I was ever given an award and got a free trip out of it. So maybe if you work for Massage Envy and you don't feel like they are giving enough to you. Maybe you should start looking at what you are putting out there. Besides in school didn't we all learn that Massage is for EVERYONE? how can a single Mom of 4 who is a waitress afford a $70 or $80 massage to help relieve her pain and stress? Massage Envy is giving back to the community. I became a therapist b/c I want to make people feel good.

Cellestine in Winter Park, Florida said: Please stop sending these alerts. Thank you.

This is a link (kinda tiny) at the bottom of each alert email which says "Cancel this alert". Try clicking on that.

Niki:
did ANYONE force you to become a massage therapist, or to work at ME?

Solution is simple: don't like it, dont' do it. There is only one thing to realize though-- something that someone posted here few days ago-- that ME is like walmart of massage, and just like no one could stop walmart -- as low quality and cheap some might think it is-- no one can stop the new business model ME and Just Massage, and other chains like that have brought into the market. So, it you are feeling that you cannot keep up with the new biz model, you can either try coming up with a new one of your own, or fine something else to do.

I have personally worked in the round rock clinic the therapists are great the sales staff are great. But watch out for [Names removed] the owners they are LIARS. They will tell you one thing to your face and do the total opposite. They are in this for the money and for themselves. If I was you I would apply at Lakeline or Techridge of which the owners can be trusted! Please pass this message along to all others!

client's pov in Lafayette, California said: Niki:
did ANYONE force you to become a massage therapist, or to work at ME?

Solution is simple: don't like it, dont' do it. There is only one thing to realize though-- something that someone posted here few days ago-- that ME is like walmart of massage, and just like no one could stop walmart -- as low quality and cheap some might think it is-- no one can stop the new business model ME and Just Massage, and other chains like that have brought into the market. So, it you are feeling that you cannot keep up with the new biz model, you can either try coming up with a new one of your own, or fine something else to do.

Another client POV, interesting, but you should try being on the other end. Again, I wouldnt expect any complaints from Envy customers :)

I am a Registered Nurse & a Licenced Nurse Massage Therapist. I have also taught beginner and advanced massage students @ a local College. I am not saying that Massage Envy is the best place to start as a new graduate but, getting some experience is important and you need to start somewhere. No one says that you need to stay there. Yes,the money sounds terrible. Working in a place like ME can give you experience in working with different "types" of clients. It can help you decide what you want to focus on. I specialize in the "overweight", pregnancy, chronic pain, chronic illness and infant massage. My first jobs were with a Chiropracter and @ a small,privately owned spa. They paid $60/$40. $60 was to the LMT. The spa charged more for deep tissue and other advanced massages-which the LMT was also given a % of. This was 6 years ago. I understand that this is still the going rate @ most Chiro's. I now work from my home and from word of mouth. I charge a minimal of $65, and that is usually for very good friends. Tipping is appreciated and should be done! I rarely get less that $10-15 per tip!
Therapists, you all work extremely hard! Take pride in what you know! Remember one thing, a motto you learned in school: "DO NO HARM". Make sure you ask your clients about their medical histories before you touch them!

Having worked at a new M.E. Storefront since its opening, all I can say is that we have lost therapist already, due to the fact of M.E.'s lies. We were promised the $15.00 an hour, and then were informed at our "Breakout" that we would be making $7.50 an hour until we made more in massages then per hourly rate. We were also informed of the insurance program that was offered. We were told that there would be an open enrollment into the insurance, and that it would be employer paid. However, I already have insurance of the same nature as M.E. is offering.
Our clinic was telling prospective clients that we therapist were able to do deep tissue massage, and various other modalities as well. What we struggled to tell the owner of our franchise was that we had to be "Certified" in that modality before they could even begin to think about telling clients we could do that.
I also found out that the "Non-Compete" agreement we signed does NOT go into effect until after 90 days of employment. Towhit, I have begun handing out my own business cards to clients I wish to retain. I am looking for other work, and hopefully will find it prior to the 90 days running.
To the clients who think that M.E. is a good thing, yes it is. However, remember, if you miss an appointment, M.E. will still charge you $29.00 to cover the missed appointment. Now, how will you feel when you get charged that amount just so the owner can pay the therapist their 7.50 per hour?
I have already informed the school I went to what a schlock outfit this place is, and they will be removing it from their Employment Opportunities book. I do much better, and as I already own my own massage business, make more doing outcall massages then I do when I burn 4 gallons of gas just to get to the storefront. Do not go to work for this company. Dont make the same mistake I did.

Host said: What are the average starting salaries, bonuses, benefits and travel requirements like at Massage Envy?

What do you like best about working at Massage Envy? Are there any great perks or special treats for employees?

Starting salary is $7.50 an hour, you get a $5.00 bonus for every client that becomes a member after you massage them. If a client request you by name, you get a $1.00 "spiff", same thing if you massage a member of M.E.
there are no perks or special treats for employees.

ME Franchise Owner in Reno, Nevada said: Massage Envy is not evil. Not all of us owners are evil. Many of my employees were grateful to have found us. We can guarantee hours, clients, and a clean professional work environment. While I understand the hostility with "mass production Corporations in general,” it is not fair to bash all Massage Envy locations. Personally I own 3 locations and have over 70 wonderful LMTs. They seem to be happy and treated very well by my staff!
While I understand that the 15-20 per massage pay scale can be considered "undervalued" for all that you do, it is important to know that some of us owners over bonuses, incentives and even profit sharing. Plus when my therapists are hired they are allowed to pick their schedule and how many massages they do in a day. They also inform my staff that they need a break after so many massages. Whatever is good for their body and mind.

Do not believe all that you read or hear about Massage Envy. I truly believe that it is a great place to work!

To anyone that is offended, I appologize a head of time.

Im sorry you have been offended. Obviously, most of us therapist would love to work for someone like you who offered profit sharing and such. We have it written down stating that after so many massages we need a break. However, just this past week, I had finished my third 1 hour massage in a row, was getting ready to take my break, when I noticed I had been scheduled a fourth massage client in a row. The owner of the clinic made the statement "Well, you kind of did that to yourself", because I had taken a client who otherwise would have been turned away. I work by myself Monday and Friday mornings, from 9 am to 2pm, before the next therapist arrives for work. Am I possibly overworked? What would you, in the position as owner, do to remedy the situation?

So, since the therapist prefer us not to go to ME, please tell me how can I find therapist in my area? the prices are day SPAs are over my budget, but if I can find LMTs who own their own biz or those who can come to my place, I wouldn't mind not supporting ME.

www.nationwidemassage.com/
www.massageanywhere.com/
www.massagetherapy.com/find/index.php
Just a few places where u can search for an independent therapist. Also craigslist is a good place to look around under therapeutic services.

Thanks to all for giving of your time and energy to share here. As a therapist with over 15 years in my profession and a recent move to a new state, I have been considering a new ME location that opened nearby (only one in Wisconsin I think) as a way to start my practice over here, or just over the border in MN where there are several ME's. After reading these boards I am glad I followed my instincts that said check this place out first. . . I'll certainly be doing more homework before go futher and see what else is available.

Thanks again . . .

I have been a massage therapist for almost 4 yrs now. I have been working in a resort spa for 2 of the four years. I thought we were doing bad until I read about ME. I actually thought going to work for them but this blog is really discouraging me. When we started we made $25 per massage now we are at 26.25 but that is for swedish DT are more and body treatmenst differ also. the average tip is about 17 dollars and we do about 4-5 massages a day. But the spa started charging 85 per massage now they charge 95. Our new pay rates are going to be 22.5 per massage with a automatic gratutity which will bring our pay per massage to $36 dollars per massage. So considering what i bring home now which is about 40,000 a year which includes tips. I cant see working for 15 per massage with an $8 tip. that is a big drop

chronic aches ... and a teacher in Orlando, Florida said: I'm glad, but disappointed, that I did a basic Google search for ME in addition to just going to the site. My husband and I are both teachers, and previous posts have addressed how much money we make. I'd seen a blurb about the new ME opening up and had thought about asking for a membership as a present for my very first Mothers' Day.

Now, I know I couldn't be comfortable, wondering how overworked and angry the therapist was. My workplace exploits all of us terribly, and it's all we can do to provide quality instruction to our students when we are so torn up and beaten down on the inside. Try feeling that way and then inspiring/controlling over 25 teenagers each hour for 6 hours [plus the hour or so you're expected to "supervise" on hallway duty, parking lot duty, etc.]

So, now that I know ME is a racket and exploits its workers, what can a fellow underpaid/exploited worker with no real money do about chronic muscle pain and stiffness and stress?

Easy, call up your local massage school and ask them for a referral to one of their new graduates that had a lot of talent in your area who has opened up their own practice. Call them, explain that you would like to get regular massage like at Massage Envy, but that you want the therapist to get the money not the corporation. Ask them to consider setting up a deal for you where you pay 49 bucks or whatever it is in your area for a monthly massage. I bet within three calls you get a solid bite and an appointment. New therapists (heck sometimes established therapists) need new clients. You are a teacher for goodness sake, not a lawyer. If you lived in my area I would offer you that deal, but probably ask you not to share with others the rate we negotiated. Good luck!

To "A Male Therapist"
Sounds to me that neither the ME or the Therapists had their ducks in a row at this location. A base pay when there are no clients?? I know a lot of people that would have done a lot for that. A new clinic doesn't come preset with clients for every therapist does it? There is a lot of sitting around, and the place I worked for did not pay their therapists unless they were doing massage. And by the time it does build up, how often are you really going to make minimum wage? Only if your not a good therapist. And a bonus? We only got a 3 dollar bonus per client, if we did over 30 hours a week, how many therapists do that? Not many, and those that do generally burn out. ME sounds like any other corp. You get bad managers, and good managers. Luck of the draw, I know a lot of people here in CO that work at ME and love it. It is what you make of it.

disillusioned in Saint Louis, Missouri said: I worked at Massage Envy in west county St. Louis and was poorly treated there from minute one. The owner speaks to his employees as though they are naughty 5-year-olds. There was constant pressure to take on more appointments than you want. They say benefits are offered, but I never saw anyone take the health insurance because it cost exactly the same as if you bought it on your own. It would have cost me $400 a month on a salary of about $24,000 before taxes. There are no paid holidays, sick days, etc. Basically, when you don't have an appointment, you are not paid.

Awful place to work, awful managers who know nothing about massage, don't care about therapists. This company is all about the money, but only for management.

Glad to hear your comment. I have an interview with them this week (Walnut Creek, CA). After talking to the manager (I guess) I realized that her telephone skills had much to be desired. She was rushed, when left me a message, she didn't say good-by or thank you - just plunk went the receiver. She didn't seem friendly at all. I'm not going to waste my time. thanks!

I had telephone contact with the interviewer and was immediately turned off - I'm not even going to the "interview/practical". This lady had 0 telephone manners and was totally inept at leaving a voicemail. All of your comments saved me gas money and a bunch of headaches. thanks guys!

disillusioned in Saint Louis, Missouri said: I worked at Massage Envy in west county St. Louis and was poorly treated there from minute one. The owner speaks to his employees as though they are naughty 5-year-olds. There was constant pressure to take on more appointments than you want. They say benefits are offered, but I never saw anyone take the health insurance because it cost exactly the same as if you bought it on your own. It would have cost me $400 a month on a salary of about $24,000 before taxes. There are no paid holidays, sick days, etc. Basically, when you don't have an appointment, you are not paid.

Awful place to work, awful managers who know nothing about massage, don't care about therapists. This company is all about the money, but only for management.

Glad to hear your comment. I have an interview with them this week (Walnut Creek, CA). After talking to the manager (I guess) I realized that her telephone skills had much to be desired. She was rushed, when left me a message, she didn't say good-by or thank you - just plunk went the receiver. She didn't seem friendly at all. I'm not going to waste my time. thanks!

Host said: What are the average starting salaries, bonuses, benefits and travel requirements like at Massage Envy?

What do you like best about working at Massage Envy? Are there any great perks or special treats for employees?

I am thinking about becoming a massage therapist.... someone I know told me about a new company opening and they are offering $20/hour.... and it would be $10/30 min and $30/hour for 90 min.... is that a good deal???

I'm a current student of massage and am just now looking at available job opportunities. I've kept an open mind as to what I want to specialize in and seem to be leaning towards geriatrics, hospice and cancer patients. From what I've learned so far paid positions are hard to find at this time. I've found volunteer opportunities to gain experience with those populations and am loving it. If I could just make a living at volunteering I'd have it made! Wanting to keep my career in balance, I have the desire to work with healthy clients as well offering deep tissue, hot stone etc... I read a posting for a position at ME at school and walked away thinking that it might be a great place for me to gain some confidence in my newly aquired skills. After reading this forum, I'm not so sure it's the company for me. Even if it's only for a little while. Who I work for reflects who I am and that matters. I've considered being a Chiropractic Assistant and even took the training, but it was during my first term and I decided I wasn't ready yet. I'm still batting the idea around but haven't come to any conclusions. Thoughts on good places to begin a massage career would be helpful!

Thanks :)

sittingdoe in Lynnwood, Washington said: Jeff from Jacksonville. very condescending Jeff. who wouldnt want to be at Massage Envy? the rates are so wonderfully low and gosh...what great service you get too? wow!!!! awesome!!!! coool!!!! but at who's expense???? the LMP's who do all the work? gee golly? it must be so hard to run your own business and pay the electric too? oh gosh, i don't think i can do it?? yet...hmmmm so many people do, but....i'm a just a LMP, i really don't know if i could make an honest living. oh golly gee Jeff, thanks for setting us all straight! your input, sooooo very helpful!

You can buy a steak from a a high end resturant or go to Denny's. It is a free market we live in and don't forget it. If you are great at what you do, in any job, you will find a place you like to work and the pay that is more suitable. There are plenty of crappy massage therapsits that should be glad to get $15 an hour by the way. Remeber, no one said you were going to become wealthy as a massage therapist. No one is entitled to anything, you must work to have what you want in life until and unless you hit the lottery. At least they do hire recent grads, giving then a place to get experience.

You're right about one thing... to each his own. If you choose to be exploited and burnt out after a couple of months, go for it! Better not be naive, though, thinking that these honest, negative comments won't affect you because you're SuperMassagePerson. On second thought, if you ignore the writing on the wall, you probably deserve to be exploited.

Tina G in Atlanta, Georgia said: jeez....angry at the world? Are you a therapist? If not, your opinion doesn't mean a thing to anyone here. I think you would be suprised how intellectually challenging some of the massage programs are, especially orthopedic and neuromuscular therapy.

Has anyone ever thought about the fact that there are so many massage school pumping out grads, many are happy to have the work. A great chef who has recently graduated wont get paid well until they prove themsleves in the real world. ME is a stepping stone. Life is tough, and is ultimately what you make of it.

As a matter of fact, I have been a massage therapist for many years and have several centers currently. I happen to know this situation inside and out. We do not live in a Utopia unfortunatley. America is not a socialist or communist country, yet. Be glad that you have the ability to complain!

We in live in an abundant world with limitless resources. There is room for all here in the world of massage and people will always want massage. Some people are pleased with Hyundai and some are pleased with BMW and they will not put each other out of business.

The therapists I know working at ME are for the most part as satisfied as the therapists I know who are working at large Spas. The spas and ME both have therapists who get burned out and they both have loyal and happy therapists. I would love us to move toward acceptance and positive approach toward whatever path we choose and toward the path that others choose.

What a wonderful forum. I started working at a local ME this past month because I was curious to see who would work for only $15/hr. Most of the MT I hire at another facility start at $27.50/hr. I am also considering MT franchise option so it has been great to work behind the scenes and read the comments in ths forum. I have been doing massages for over 15 yrs and expect to continue for many more. However, I am very realistic about doing only 20 - 25/wk. I have always encouraged MT to take medical coding for a chiro office or work somewhere like a health club or hospital so they can "create" a 40-hr work wk (customer service, child care, maintenance)to qualify for benefits and not get burned out, physically or otherwise. Most therapists I know who have prospered in this professional have learned to mix it up ... working more than one place (own space, low pay/high volume place like ME, speciality spa/clinic high pay/low volume, teach classes etc. Do the math. Everyone dreams of hanging their own shingle but by the time you do the marketing, business planning, rent, taxes etc. 50% of your $60 - 75/hr is gone. ME is just like the place I started at years ago - a great learning opportunity & I still have close friends. The ME I work at only has two bathrooms for clients and staff and the break/laundry/scheduling room is horribly tiny. However, they are open to suggestions and run an organized, lovely facility. They are right on target with their marketing and I thought the health care was only $12.10/pay period (I work another job and don't need it so I'll have to confirm.) If I opened a franchise I would insist on providing profit-sharing. Only about 17% of Americans are receiving massage on a regular basis so there is plenty of business to go around. Refuse to sign a non-compete - ME does not have non-competes. Just don't steal clients on company time and be happy the AMA hasn't taken complete control (we would make even less if the insurance companies take over.)

EXACTLY!!! and another clarification about the $15 per hour wage... you are only paid the $15 per hour if you are massaging a client. There is no pay for hours required to be there with no clients. So, if you have 3 clients, your pay is $45 for the whole 8 hour day, or roughly $5.60 per hour. I'd rather give the whole $39 to the therapist and cut out the middle-man.

Karmic Retribution in Denver, Colorado said: To "A Male Therapist"
Sounds to me that neither the ME or the Therapists had their ducks in a row at this location. A base pay when there are no clients?? I know a lot of people that would have done a lot for that. A new clinic doesn't come preset with clients for every therapist does it? There is a lot of sitting around, and the place I worked for did not pay their therapists unless they were doing massage. And by the time it does build up, how often are you really going to make minimum wage? Only if your not a good therapist. And a bonus? We only got a 3 dollar bonus per client, if we did over 30 hours a week, how many therapists do that? Not many, and those that do generally burn out. ME sounds like any other corp. You get bad managers, and good managers. Luck of the draw, I know a lot of people here in CO that work at ME and love it. It is what you make of it.

Im glad that you like where you work. If I worked in a ME that had a built clientele, and not one where we were not only expected to build the clientele, but do the sales associates job of talking up the membership program, it would be easier, yes. However, I found out thru our monthly meeting that because I had talked up the membership program, I had 33.33% of the clients I touched become members. Yes, I got a nice little $25.00 gift card as my bonus. However, we still have the issues of having clients told that we can do deep tissue. We still have to fight to get our points across. Today, I worked a total of 5 hours, down from the normal 8 I work, just so I could make the $15.00 per hour we were promised. I did 3 massages total, and signed up 2 new members. Out of the three I did, one was already a member. yes, I made more today then i would have by sitting for all the other hours I was free. Still.. I make more money doing my private clients after work hours then i do at ME. To me, it makes more sense for me to tote around my table.

latish in Edmonds, Washington said: Medical Professional? Isn't it only 1800 hours or less for licensing, I think Hairdressers serve more time than that. It boggles my mind that LMP's believe they should get 30$ an hour to start. I'm an RN and it took me 20 years of service to reach that wage!! Although I knew full well that I would be expected to do the work of Florence Nightinggale without the compensation. I'm not complaining but all you pampered pooches out there getting your massages, perms and nail tips at exorbitant prices and creating the elitist market will hopefully look around at the age of 80 while your wasting away in a nursing home and wonder where did all the qualified caring people go. No wonder none of today's children want to be teachers or nurses.I wish I could get an 18% gratuity for inserting that suppository just right!

I spent over $5000.00 in my education. I have a brother who is a doctor, and when I started talking to him about something in the human body, and was using the actual name of the body part, he said to me, and I quote, "Speak English, please". We, as massage therapist have to know MORE then doctors because a doctor will specialize in one part of the body.. we have to know the entire body. I do not denegrate you for being a Nurse.. we all know you have a very hard row to hoe. Do not denegrate me for having the knowledge that most doctors have half to less then half of the knowledge that I do. I am Nationally Certified as a massage therapist. I passed the National boards test in less the 40 minutes (its a three hour test). And I passed with very high scores in all sections. Can you say the same after going to school full time and working full time to support yourself and your family? IM very proud of myself, and my family is as well. ME abuses their therapist, and then feels like they have made you feel better with a small token of their appreciation. Pay me what I was promised from the Get Go.

A Male Therapist : reading your post makes me laugh!
So you are saying that the doc who spend over 200k and 10 year on education had not taken the anatomy classes and does not know the terms for the entire body that you managed to learn in about 1800 hours and with 5k?

Do you really believe that yourself? cuz if you do, you really need to take your head out of sand! and if your MD brother does not know about the entire body and does not know medical terminology, please tell us all what his name is so was all can stay away from him, and possibly let the medical board of his state to suspend his practice!

come on people! wake up and be realistic!

I have read most of the comments and feel for the people who are unappreciated (however they define it). I am considering buying a ME franchise because I was a client and felt that they solved a number of problems that always troubled me about massage (price not being the most important). Still in the "prior to signing on the dotted line" stage, my time has been focused on how can I provide the best environment for the therapists. Maybe this is out of whack--and from what I'm reading, it seems to be--but I've been meeting with benefits professionals to determine how I can provide health, dental, vision, flexible savings, retirement, not to mention paid vacation and sick leave. My first words to the insurance carrier were that I wanted to provide short term disability at my expense--what if someone got hurt and couldn't work? What would they do? This will be a start up business and to keep the doors open it may take awhile. I am not greedy--but I've had a business before and know the costs of the benefits. But it is also a business that will require me to pay about $400,000 back to the bank over the next few years. I have no problem sharing with my employees--any prior employee will tell you they were treated very well and received as much as I could possibly give. I do not intend that this business will be any different. I believe in profit sharing. But the comments I've been reading have really made me wonder what will motivate a therapist and help with retention? IF the base is to remain at $15 per hour, plus tips...what kind of bonus structure would you think is fair? Repeat business? New clients signing up because they enjoyed the massage you gave? Longevity ? Hours worked? I don't want a burn and churn organization so how do I show appreciation for a job well done and keep the good guys on staff? Sorry for the length of this--this is my first blog. Thanks for listening.